Albuquerque

Travelers' Takes

Getting There

Japanese Kitchen

More Photos
jadednomad
First Reviewer
2 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
Review
1
Photo

Disappointingly Overrated

  • February 22, 2008
  • Rated 2 of 5 by jadednomad from Lake City, Florida
Disappointingly Overrated

I had so wanted this to be the great restaurant it is touted to be, both in its own commercials and on websites such as this. Alas, it was not.

Tucked in two separate corners behind the Pier 1 Imports corner of Louisiana and Indian School Roads, it also wasn't the easiest thing to find parking, but for a late lunch (2 pm) we managed. The restaurants themselves are nicely appointed, and even during the lunch hour, do brisk business. With your back to Pier One, walking down the center of the plaza, on the left is the all-hibachi seating, in the right corner, the more quiet restaurant with table seating. We opted for the latter.

Service was good, polite, affable, helpful.

Started out with the calamari appetizer: bland and uninspired, as tho the British had invaded Japan and forgotten what makes fish and chips great back home. The breading was heavy handed tho not greasy. The calamari was thick and in strips, but totally bland, the bread not panko. Had I not ordered it myself, I wouldn't have known it was squid.

My companion got a bento box, but also expressed disappointment, not only in the flavor, but in texture as well,

The best part of my meal: the Dragon roll, with unagi had the best flavor, but texture wise was off again, somewhat soft (tho not mushy) in contrast to the usual firmness one expects with such a presentation.

Unusual: the squid salad was warm, with a mayo topping that was new to me. Almost like a salmon dish from Sweden. I had been expecting a cold squid salad with a rice vinegar marinade, but this wasn't bad, tho not great, just unexpected.

Kudos to our server for her attention to detail as my companion is allergic to shellfish, and she painstakingly went over everything with the chefs, just to ensure no medical intervention would enliven the lunch.

Compare Albuquerque Rates

1. Enter travel information

City

2. Select websites to compare rates

Each selected website will open a new window.

Helpful Albuquerque Links

Albuquerque Travel Deals